OCT 2022: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

Our Town

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville

On the Cover: Give Your Furry Friends a Treat at My Green Pet Pals

By Kristen Eleveld

Everyone agrees that our pets are like family, and no one knows this better than the team at My Green Pet Pals which is dedicated to providing holistic pet food and products.

Led by entrepreneurs Teshea Ferguson, Nadia Lakhani, and Steve Harrison, My Green Pet Pals offers a wide variety of holistic, healthy pet food, along with toys, treats, and other goodies that are sure to be a hit with the furriest members of your household.

“Different pets have different needs,” said Teshea of the team’s desire to provide quality resources for the pets in their community. “We want to give every pet the best product, the best ingredients, and the best environment.”

It will come as no surprise that all three of My Green Pet Pals’ team members have a love of pets in their own lives as well as their professional ones. In fact, customers often refer to Teshea as “the dog whisperer,” thanks to her extensive experience and knowledge of man’s best friend.

So, what can you expect when you walk into this Dacula store? The best of the best, and nothing less. Each product offered by My Green Pet Pals is carefully sourced and investigated by Teshea, Nadia, and Steve to ensure that they only offer high-quality ingredients and prod ucts to all of their customers. Representatives from each brand often come to the store to do training sessions, meaning that the members of this pet-loving trio have become experts in their own right as they continually seek to learn more about how they can give their pets exactly what they need.

And that includes more than just food. My Green Pet Pals stocks a wide array of items designed to help the pets in your life through a variety of issues.

“We want to help each customer find exactly what their pet needs,” said Teshea. “We carry probiotics, pet spray, allergy medications, flea and tick solutions – whatever the issue is, we have something for it.”

The team at My Green Pet Pals also understands that caring for

Continued on page 16

Our Town

Town Gwinnett

and direct mailed

Town

select

the

and/or

IN THIS ISSUE

the Cover:

the Publisher:

to

Town

Years

Lessons:

Business

to

to

Furry

Matters:

Queen’s

Ryan’s Remarks

By Ryan T. Sauers

So how are you Our Town communi ty? I hope you are enjoying the fall sea son and the cooler temperatures. How about watching some great football and a super finish to the baseball season? Yes, fall is my favorite time of the year. Can you believe we are entering the fourth quarter of 2022? Before we know it, we will be in the holiday season and then into 2023. WOW, time goes so fast. So, this month’s column will challenge all of us to think in new ways.

I challenge you to have a growth mindset and Keep Pushing Forward (KPF). I have told people for over twenty years, no matter what you are facing and no matter your age, age is just a number. A friend asked me recently, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” I took this to heart and thought through this “supposed” age/number in my head: I live and feel 12 years younger than I am.

Why we are on this subject? Consider the pandemic as the “great human reset” that allowed us to remember what truly matters in life. And this life is so short. Even people who live well past the average age of life only make it to their mid-late 90’s (with a few exceptions).

So, go for your dreams. There is no “do over.” There are people who tell me, “One day I will do this,” or “Someday I will do that.” This is crazy talk to me. What are you waiting for? The clock is

Getting to Know: Dennis Smock

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Everyone has a passion. Everyone has something that intrigues them and drives them to do what they do. If you are like most people, you have had several of these passions during your lifetime, but there is always a single, underlying passion that drives everything. It is the foundation for every thing that you do. And though all others are secondary, they are all related to your primary purpose in some manner. For many, their primary purpose does not fully manifest itself until the time is right, until everything they have experi enced has been nurtured and matured to the point of action.

My name is Dennis Smock. I am a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology. For the longest time, I seemed to simply go with the flow –albeit the flow saw me do things without truly pursuing them. Most people who do pursue them never get to take part in the manner that I was able to. I got to be part of a team that was tasked with putting togeth er a computer monitoring system for a nuclear power plant. I got to be part of the team that designed many recognizable buildings in Atlanta, L.A., San Francisco, and Times Square in New York. I have a patent in my name. I was VP of Creative Services for a $45 million/ year retail design/build firm. I was adjunct faculty at a small design college. I was a nationally recognized consultant and had several trade articles published. I was also able to be involved in the music scene and have many stories to tell – but none of these things were my passion.

It is funny how God will use a still, small moment to get your attention. About twenty-five years ago, my wife and I were sponsored to go on a threeday church retreat. The men go one weekend and then the women go the following weekend. During those three days, and the following few weeks, my purpose, my passion, slowly started to come into focus. The number of people in my community who had been on previous weekends like this numbered over one thousand, and they had only the US Postal Service to stay in touch. I was asked to put together the email addresses that they had and use these as a basis for mass email communications. These early communications were simply to notify people of upcoming events and urgent prayer requests. I soon found myself wanting to send out positive messages, and so the daily devotionals were born. Recipients started asking if these could be shared, so I opened the list to anyone who wanted to receive them.

I worked from home during the early years of the daily devo tionals. One day, something happened that solidified my passion. I have always used two computers, and this particular day had me only working on one computer with the other computer completely turned off. I heard the familiar sound of the second computer start ing up and looked over to see that it had started and had loaded a web browser. It opened a site that I had never been to. It was a site put together by an engineer who set out to disprove the Bible, but

became a follower of Jesus. This experience has given me the drive to read, study, and write.

“Be Still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a) had become my life verse. From the beginning, the daily devotionals were written to be able to be read in just a few minutes. They were created to allow a brief escape from the otherwise hectic lives that we find ourselves living in today’s society. These devotionals have always asked point ed questions that basically try to make the reader respond with personal reflections on how they are living up to the concepts presented in the Scripture for that day. I do not know how many times that I have heard from people telling me that what I had sent out was exactly what they needed to read that day.

To make a long story short, my twenty-four years of doing this have not been without dis tractions and troubles. Many times, the passages and insight gleaned from my experienc es have also fallen right into place. I have become a student of God’s Word. I read and cross reference many different translations. I have also put some of that experience into Biblically-based books. I have also reviewed and edited the devotion al archive and have created three devotional journal books.

DAILY LIVING Ministries, Inc. provides daily opportunities to allow God’s Word to take priority in our lives. Based on this mis sion, the decision was made to focus on providing resources that can go with people on the very thing that all of us take with us every where and the very thing that we can’t seem to live without - OUR PHONES!

We are a society that seems to not be able to go anywhere with out our smartphones. I recently had an epiphany and realized that everything that I have written and built is designed to be at our fingertips on these very devices. The website can be viewed on a phone. The devotionals can be viewed on a phone. The books are designed to be able to be read on a phone. If we can’t find the time to sit still with a Bible, most people can read on their phones. The resources created by DAILY LIVING Ministries, Inc. are designed to work in conjunction with the apps that are currently installed on your phones, and it is recommended that the reader cross refer ence Scriptures by downloading a Bible app. In this ever-increasing hectic world, we need to find any and every opportunity to sit in His presence. We need to find time to “Be Still.”

I seldom look at the analytics, but I had a reason to do just that not too long ago. Besides the daily emails, and the postings to social media, the new website has seen visitors from 128 countries and six continents in the last twelve months. Many of these countries would surprise you if I listed them. This country count doesn’t even include the visitors to the backup blog site! DAILY LIVING Ministries is reaching the world.

I, too, still find myself using my degree from Georgia Tech. Many days are less than ideal. Deadlines and commitments, pressure and stress still abound; but I will make a daily decision to sit in His pres ence. I make a daily decision to share what I have learned.

Celebrating 25 Years with Vecoma at the Yellow River

By Kristen Eleveld

There are some local businesses that hold a special place in all of our hearts, whether it’s because of their industry expertise or amaz ing client care, or because it is a place filled with great memories that last a lifetime. One place that has all these qualities and more is Gwinnett’s own favorite wedding venue, Vecoma at the Yellow River, which is now celebrating twenty-five years of incredible service.

You may already be familiar with Vecoma at the Yellow River as a perfect place to hold a wedding or vow renewal. Between their lovely outdoor and indoor ceremony options and their commitment to giv ing each couple the best wedding day possible, more and more clients are flocking to Vecoma to commemorate their special day.

For many couples who got married over the last couple of years, their day was extra special because they wondered whether they would have a wedding at all. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many ceremonies to be postponed or reimagined, meaning a dream wed ding could easily turn into a logistical nightmare. But the staff at Vecoma responded to the pandemic fallout with the calm expertise of wedding planners who know how to handle anything, and they began offering new options to their clients, including their popular elopement package.

When one hears the word “elopement,” Vegas comes to mind; but those simplified ceremonies are just as beautiful as any wedding at Vecoma. Couples can still choose from one of seven gorgeous loca tions and have the ceremony they dreamed of while simplifying their

page 13

Learning Lessons: How to Make the Most of Story Time for Children

By Tanisha Turner

The value of reading with young children is well documented. Beyond developing early language and literacy skills, reading increas es children’s ability to understand the emotions of others – a critical life skill that leads to empathy and compassion. Parents can help support the development of these skills by being intentional with story time. In addition to making reading together a regular routine in your household, consider these age-specific tips and book recom mendations to make the most of story time during the first five years of your child’s life.

Before Birth: During pregnancy, reading establishes voice recog nition and promotes cognitive development in babies. The rhythm and melody of voices serve as the prenatal foundation for language. Choose rhythmic stories with cadence, warm tones, or repetition –repetition leads to recognition! Primrose suggests: How Do I Love You? by Marion Dane Bauer or Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

Birth – Age 1: Reading books should be a favorite bedtime activ ity at this age. With daily “tuck-in” stories and snuggling together at bedtime, infants begin to associate reading with comfort, warmth, and security. Sturdy board books with bright illustrations are

October

easiest to handle and invite participation.

Books with familiar subjects, such as babies and animals, resonate since babies respond to faces and eyes before other stimuli. Primrose suggests: Peek-a Who? by Nina Laden or Counting Kisses by Karen Katz.

Ages 1 – 3: Reading a wide variety of sto ries helps toddlers build vocabulary and understand story sequencing. A sequence of events that is both interesting and understandable helps children identify with a book. Ask lots of questions, act silly, and try out different character voices to make reading dramatic and engaging. Vivid illustrations, along with rhyming and repetitive text, will encourage lively dialogue. Primrose suggests: Book! by Kristine O’Connell George or From Head to Toe by Eric Carle.

Ages 4 – 5: Preschoolers should be encouraged to discover the magic of books for themselves. Books can help young children under stand their own feelings when characters face similar life events, so pick topics they may be curious about. Also introduce new genres and topics, and more complex story structures for them to explore. Primrose suggests: The Red Book by Barbara Lehman or A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom.

Parents also can help extend children’s learning during story time by following the READ acronym, which was developed by the teach er training arm of the Atlanta Speech School – the nation’s most comprehensive center for language and literacy:

on page 14

Month: The Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta

Small

Importance of Supporting Local Small Businesses

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

There are millions of small businesses in the United States and so many in our community owned by passionate people working hard to make their dreams a reality. Rather than buying from a big retailer the next time you need something, consider supporting the locally owned businesses around you. When you support a small business, you’re not only helping build your community, but also directly impacting some one’s life. Every custom er counts when it comes to small business, which means your dollars can help that small business owner thrive.

For example, as the nation’s largest insurer, State Farm® has more than 19,000 agents who are small business own ers themselves, and who are committed to restoring lives, rebuild ing neighborhoods, and investing in the commu nities where they live and work. This desire to help started 100 years ago when the company was founded by a farmer who was concerned that big city insurance companies would not serve the specific needs of his business and community.

Here are three simple ways to support small businesses and have a positive impact:

1) Get to know your community through its businesses

Your support matters all year long. For many people, this means shifting their mindset to thinking about local options first and get ting to know the types of products and services your local businesses are providing. Whether you are purchasing items for yourself or

someone else, start to understand how these local businesses can fill your needs. Don’t forget, many small businesses offer gift cards, which are wonderful ways to show ongoing support.

2) Support small business service providers

Small businesses aren’t just for tangible goods. Many provide important services, such as your local mechanic, dentist, or plumbing company. So, no matter your needs, try and find businesses that are active in the community. You can spot these businesses by seeing how they engage with their neighbors. Look for the providers that are going above and beyond to support the neighbor hood and other small businesses. By support ing those that have a strong investment in your community, you are help ing them create a greater impact.

3) Share your experiences

Many small business es rely on satisfied cus tomers to tell others so they can grow their client base. People trust word of mouth, so your effort makes a difference. In fact, more than eight out of 10 people around the world said they com pletely or somewhat trust the recommendations of friends and family, according to Nielsen. Plus, two-thirds said they trust online opinions from consumers. So, tell a friend in person, share a post on social media, or leave a positive review online.

If you’re a small business owner, consider using your platform to build up other entrepreneurs in your neighborhood. The next time you have a need arise, think of how a small business can help. Every effort counts to build your community, show your support, and ensure you continue to have thriving small businesses near you. (BPT)

How to Safely Dispose of Household Medications

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Did you know that in 2019 up to 200 pharmaceuticals were detect ed in the surface water, ground water, and drinking water in the U.S., according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development? Conventional wastewater treatment plants are nei ther designed nor equipped to fully remove pharmaceuticals, which is how these substances end up in ground and surface water. What can you do to dispose of medications properly and help prevent these potent chemicals from polluting the environment?

While 61% of Americans are concerned about flushed painkill ers polluting drinking water and public waterways, 1 out of 4 admit to flushing leftover prescriptions down the drain, and another 25% reported throwing unused medica tions in the trash, according to a study by Stericycle. If you are concerned about the environment, you can be part of the solution by taking advantage of new ways to safely dispose of unused medications. Here are practical do’s and don’ts to follow when discarding old medications or other household drugs.

DO: Regularly clean out your medicine cabinet. Are there unused medications you no longer need? Expired over-the-counter medica tions or prescriptions? Make it a habit to regularly inventory your medications and remove expired, unwanted, and unneeded ones for disposal.

DON’T: Hold on to prescriptions you are no longer advised to take by your doctor. The Stericycle study found that Americans keep unused prescriptions either for future use (30%), because they fear their illness reoccurring (32%) or because they don’t know how to

Vecoma at the Yellow River

Continued from page 9

guest list and narrowing down other options. The elopement package was borne out of necessity during the height of the pandemic, but co-owner Caroline Tucker has noticed that couples have continued to choose this option even as gathering restrictions have been lifted.

In fact, Vecoma at the Yellow River has become such a popular wedding venue that it was recently featured in the VH1 show My Celebrity Dream Wedding, where brides-to-be choose a celebrity wedding as the inspiration for their own nuptials. One Vecoma bride did just that, completing the celebration with décor that matched her favorite celebrity wedding – that of Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, which took place in 2018. The Vecoma staff worked closely with the decorators to ensure this wedding was everything the bride had imagined.

Even if a client doesn’t have a celebrity-inspired theme in mind, Caroline and her co-owner Judith Warren are always ready to help a bride and groom achieve the look they want for their ceremony. One of Caroline’s favorite recent weddings took on a more laid-back, boho chic vibe, while others have opted for a more formal elegance. No matter what your style is, the team at Vecoma is excited to help you make it happen.

Vecoma isn’t just a favorite for Gwinnett residents, either. They have been named “Best of Weddings” from The Knot and given the Couple Choice Award from Wedding Wire for several years run ning. And while weddings are certainly their specialty, Vecoma at

dispose of them (nearly 15%). However, keeping unused medications in your home can be unsafe and increases risks for accidental inges tion or potential substance misuse.

DO: Use one of these safe disposal methods for discarding unused medications in your home.

* Use the Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal System, a safe medication disposal pouch that can be used at home. It permanently deactivates drugs in many forms including pills, patches, liquids, films, and creams with the simple addition of tap water. Easily available on Amazon, and in their online store, Deterra’s proprietary activated carbon renders drugs inert and harmless, and its plant-based packaging and non-toxic ingredi ents prevent harmful chemicals from entering landfills and water supplies.

* Find a drug take-back program in your community. These collec tion sites or drop boxes may be located at a nearby hospital, clinic pharmacy, or law enforcement agen cy. Sometimes you may also find pop-up drug collection events being held throughout the year. Be sure to ask what types of medications the program will accept, as some will not take liquids.

DON’T: Flush medications down the toilet, put them down the drain, or throw them in the trash. While some sources may advise flushing pills or mixing meds with coffee grounds or kitty litter to make them unappealing to potential poachers, these methods do not render active chemicals inert and allow harmful ingredients to make their way into the water and soil after being discarded.

“It’s up to all of us – hospitals, clinics, families and individuals – to ensure that we’re preventing medications from polluting our environment,” said Nancy Devine, chief operating officer at Verde Environmental Technologies Inc. “The good news is, it’s not hard to do the right thing to keep hazardous substances from harming the planet.” (BPT)

the Yellow River opens its doors to all sorts of gatherings, whether you need to host a business meeting or arrange a celebration of life ceremony.

So what are you waiting for? Run, do not walk, to your phone and set up your wedding or event today. Whether you are hoping to get married in a winter wonderland or among your favorite summer flowers, Vecoma at the Yellow River is always ready and waiting for you, just as it has been for twenty-five years.

More information at https://vecoma1.com

Chaplain’s Corner: Make Your Story Count

By Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz

One of the things that my wife Kelly and I like to do at night is to watch TV shows together. Between juggling both of our jobs, trying to keep five children alive, managing a thousand of activities for every family member, and whatever it is that life throws at us, spending some time to decompress together at night is something that we really treasure.

So, we have decided to alternate picking shows according to our preferences, and while one of us will choose the show of our choice, the other one has to endure it and actually try to enjoy it. Some of her shows include, This is US, Virgin River, and Handmaids Tales, and some of my shows include Breaking Bad, The Office, and Yellowstone.

Often while we are watching the shows, we find ourselves pretending we are in the shoes of the characters, and we begin wondering what our actions or reactions would have been if we were the ones in the show.

The reality is that our lives are a little bit less dramatic than the lives of most of the characters that we watch, thank you Jesus for that. Nevertheless, the roles we are playing in our lives count, and whether we are famous or not, we are writing our own story.

I am not sure what your life looks right now, but if your life is like mine, you may be in a season of drama, you may be leaving a season of comedy, or you may be even entering a season of terror. Yet, regardless of what your sea son may look like, I want to encourage you to make your story count.

The truth that we need to be reminded of is that someone is always watching, someone may be inspired by our words and actions, and more importantly, someone may be affected by the roles we are playing. For that reason, one more time, I want to encourage you to make your story count.

Rodrigo Cruz is the Lead Pastor of The Nett Church. More infor mation at www.thenettchurch.com.

Learning Lessons

Continued from page 10

Repeat books three to five times. Discuss the story, characters, and new vocabulary in each book.

Engage in and enjoy reading, using different voices for the characters to bring each story to life.

Ask “why” questions, letting your child share his ideas about the story.

Do more with the book. Reinforce the story through related activities.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway. com or call 770-513-0066

History Matters: The Queen’s Passing

By Victoria R. Crosby

In an earlier issue of Our Town Gwinnett, I wrote about the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in Norcross and the ironic affec tion Americans have for someone whose ancestor they fought a war to sep arate from. On Thursday, September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral in Scotland at the age of 96. Many Americans and British expats in the US were glued to their TVs since that announcement.

The outpouring of con dolences from world lead ers and the general public was evident in the floral tributes, candles, and other tokens left at the gates of Buckingham Palace and in many other Royal residenc es. Palace officials had to caution the public not to continue leaving marma lade sandwiches, as they attract insects and rodents.

The Queen was known for her sense of humor and had recorded a TV skit with Paddington Bear for her Jubilee in which they had tea and marmalade sandwiches. The recent celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee almost made it seem that she would live as long or longer than her mother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who was known affectionately as the Queen Mum, and lived to be 101. The Queen’s husband of seventy-three years, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 99 in 2021, a few months short of his 100th birthday.

During WWII when she was an 18-year-old princess, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service where she trained as a driver and a mechanic. She was the first female member of the Royal Family to join the armed services as a full-time active member.

People from all over the world attended the Queen’s funeral, and thousands traveled and waited for hours to view her coffin in Edinburgh, Scotland and at Westminster Hall in London, and many more thousands watched on televisions worldwide

The news of the Queen’s death seemed to affect some people, almost as the loss of a family member. Many had never known another monarch in their lifetime. She was a constant presence and was looked upon as the mother and/or grandmother of the nation, if not the world.

During the Changing of the Guard two days after 9/11/01, the Queen had the Cold Stream Guards play the American National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, breaking with centuries of tradi tion. Another tradition was broken when Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter, stood in a vigil in her full navy ceremonial uniform at the coffin with her three brothers, a ceremony previously reserved only for princes.

Many world leaders attended the funeral at Westminster Abbey, including President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Now we anticipate the coronation next year of King Charles III, who was heir to the throne longer than any other monarch.

a pet can come with a high price tag. That is why they have put a priority on keeping their products as affordable as possible, offering discounts to customers who are buying multiple bags of food. Even their bakery, which offers delicious treats for dogs, is designed to offer holistic nutrition at an affordable price point. All My Green Pet Pals’ products come with a money-back guarantee, so if you discover that what you purchase does not work for your pet, just bring it back to the store for a refund.

It is no wonder that this store, which opened in March of this year, has become such an instant hit with the Dacula community and beyond. Teshea, Nadia, and Steve each bring a unique set of skills to the table, resulting in what Teshea accurately labels a “well-oiled machine” that is ready to spring into action when you need them.

Beyond the products and information offered at the store, My Green Pet Pals also partners with Barrow County to promote pet adoption, which is a cause near and dear to every team member. The store also offers a newsletter that will keep you up to date on every event and opportunity that you and your animals may enjoy. And, of course, you can’t beat the free treats that My Green Pet Pals offers to all of their canine customers.

“We love what we do,” said Teshea. “And we’re not like anyone else.”

If this store sounds like the solution you have been waiting for, it’s time to visit Teshea, Nadia, and Steve – and, of course, their pets – to learn how much of a difference their holistic products can make for your beloved animal companions. Whether you and your pup have been together for a decade, or you are just starting on the journey of pet ownership, the trio at My Green Pet Pals has what you need. More information at mygreenpetpals.com or 678-694-8718

Get Ready for Soups and Ciders – It’s Officially Fall!

By Tana Poncsak

Change is good, right? Many say change is inevitable. And when the seasons change, the weather isn’t the only thing that changes. You may also notice a difference in food, clothing, routines, and activities. And after the hot days of summer, fall is often a welcomed change!

Here are some easy things you can do to embrace the fall season.

Food

When it comes to food, fall is generally the season to pull out the recipes for warm, hearty soups and stews, and to replace your frozen concoctions with warm teas and hot apple cider.

Relish in the taste of seasonal vegetables and enjoy the robust flavors of roasted acorn and butternut squash. And don’t forget the pumpkin!

For the home

Make some small changes to the decor in your home to celebrate the season. Change out your sofa pillows with some that have fall colors or themes.

Add a fall wreath to your front door.

Replace summer smelling candles for some with autumn fragranc es such as apples and cinnamon. Or fill your home with the smell of autumn with a big pot of hot apple cider simmering on the stove. Activities

With the cooler temperatures, people still want to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather. Fun fall activities include:

Apple picking – We’re lucky in that apple picking is just a short drive away. And with those apples, you can bake my grandmother’s Apple Cake – a family favorite.*

Travel Tips: AAA Urges Atlanta Travelers to Book Early

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Although the summer travel season has ended, Georgians are already beginning to lock in their holiday plans. When AAA fielded a travel survey this past summer, 24% percent of Georgia travelers had plans to take a holiday trip. Of those, a little over half (53%) said they would book earlier than in years past due to higher travel prices.

According to the survey, most (62%) of Thanksgiving travelers will finalize plans by the end of the month. Meanwhile, the share of those finalizing Christmas plans is evenly spread out between now and the end of November.

When Thanksgiving travel plans would be finalized:

Take in a nearby festival or chili cook off – Many metro areas hold festivals to celebrate the community and welcome the season.

It won’t be long before the greenery of summer will give way to the beautiful colors of fall. Take a hike or a drive and enjoy the scenery.

And for those sports fans, there’s always plenty of football!

Happy fall y’all!

*Nanny’s Apple Cake

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1 1/4 cup vegetable oil

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 cups chopped apples

1 cups sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla flavoring

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Beat eggs, add sugar, vanilla fla voring, and oil. Beat three minutes

Mix all dry ingredients together

Mix ingredients together -- the dry and the egg, sugar, and oil mixture

Add the chopped apples, then add chopped pecans - mix all ingre dients thoroughly

Pour into a greased Bundt pan or cake pan

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour and 15 minutes or until cooked through

Top with a dusting of powdered sugar

Serve topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and ENJOY!

When Christmas travel plans would be finalized:

“Travelers expecting to fly this Thanksgiving should start locking in those plans now,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Airline staffing shortages have resulted in fewer flights and higher prices. As we get closer to the holidays, airfares are likely to get even more expensive as flights fill up. Our best advice is simple. Book early. This will increase the odds of finding the flight you want at a competitive price.”

Georgia Air Travelers

Five in seven (71%) travelers plan to take at least one flight during the holiday season. Of those not planning a flight, 55% say it’s

because their destination is close enough that a flight is not required. However, 43% say they don’t plan to fly because they’re concerned their flights will be canceled or delayed. Meanwhile, 25% blame the higher cost of airfares, and 12% are still worried about contracting COVID-19 on a plane.

AAA’s Advice for Booking a Flight

• Book early for the best combination of availability and price.

• Book a direct flight that leaves early in the morning. Afternoon and evening flights are more susceptible to delays/cancellations due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Connecting flights multiply the risk of something going wrong.

• Consider traveling a day or two earlier than planned. Even if you face delays, you will still arrive on time.

• If your flight has connections, build a couple of hours between flights. If your first flight is delayed, you are less likely to miss your second one.

One Man’s Opinion: Long Live the King

By Bill Crane

Our family, particularly on my father’s side, is of Scotch/Irish/ Welch descent. I have long consid ered myself a bit of an Anglophile. Probably my two favorite fiction al characters for decades have been James Bond and Sherlock Holmes. That said, I have never had much fascination with the Royal family or the crown in gen eral. However, it would be impossi ble to overlook the reign of Queen Elizabeth II without noting more than the length of her tenure, but the stability that she has helped to provide for so many decades in both cementing and strengthen ing that special relationship between the United Kingdom and the colonies, as the Royal Family are often said to refer to the United States behind closed doors.

Queen Elizabeth began her reign as head of state of the British Empire with Winston Churchill returning as Prime Minister (19511955), through Boris Johnson and Liz Truss today. The House of Lords has become all but an anachronism, and Elizabeth has worked with Labour, Tories, Conservative, and even coalition governments, all while serving her nation and her duty in a job and role which she never sought.

Only Queen Victoria has a length of holding the crown, which comes close (1837-1901) at 64 years. When Elizabeth’s grandfa ther was king, the royal families and heads of state of the United

Health Matters: Practice Self-Care for Better Mental Health

By Tana Poncsak

There’s been a lot of talk about mental health lately. Perhaps it’s because there’s a correlation between mental health, physical health and one’s overall well-being. Even a new 988 hotline was established recently for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services.

Of the common mental health issues, anxiety and depression top the list, and the Centers for Disease and Prevention reports that 1 in 5 Americans are affected by a men tal health disorder in a given year. Causes can range from hereditary or genetic fac tors, brain injury or trauma, environmental factors, and more, with stress and burnout contributing to mental health illnesses.

Self-care can be important when it comes to maintaining proper mental health. Much like the demonstrations flight attendants go through at the beginning of a flight that remind travelers to mask themselves before they help children and others, self-care works reminds us we can’t be of help to others if we’re not at our best. The point is to make sure to take time for our selves, so when the opportunity comes, we can be our best self and in a better position to help others.

Self-care can be different from one person to the next, but here is a general list of some common things you can do for self-care.

Kingdom, Germany (Kaiser Wilhelm II), and Russia (Czar Nicholas II) were all blood relatives. Yet two revolutions later, only the House of Windsor retains the crown. The will of the people is required for the maintenance and support of royal families. Great Britain’s crown is among the longest in existence today, and Queen Elizabeth has had few peers in terms of longevity worldwide. King Bhumibol of Thailand ruled for 70 years, his coronation in 1950 almost coin cided with the introduction of the fictional King & I film and later Broadway production, both starring Yul Brynner in a fictionalized portrayal of Bhumibol’s own great-grandfather. Emperor Hirohito of Japan had a reign from 1926 through World War II and concluded in 1989 (63 years).

Modern royalty are most often figureheads, sources of tradition, protocol, and a link to a storied nation’s past. As the House of Windsor has grown, alongside social media, its social fabric and standing have also unraveled a bit at its seams. No royal leader is truly perfect.

Prince Charles of Wales now becomes King Charles III. Based on his earlier focuses in life, and now at the age of 73, we can expect him to retain much of the focus and direction of his mother on the throne; yet we cannot necessarily expect him to be either the world presence or the fixture of Britain’s steadfast support for its ally the United States that his mother certainly was.

King Charles has his quirks – as Queen Elizabeth had her omni present Yorkies. I think what I admire most about the Queen was what I continually heard was her dry, and occasionally bit wicked sense of humor. A highlight, at least for me, was her secret “para chute jump” into the Olympic Stadium, along with British Agent 007 (actor Craig Daniels) to open the 2012 Olympic Games (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=1AS-dCdYZbo).

King Charles intends an even greater focus on making England and Great Britain operate on a more sustainable basis, particularly

• Make time for yourself to do the things you enjoy. From reading to crafts to exercise, make sure you take part in what brings you pleasure and joy.

• Meditate and take time to breathe. We can get so busy during the busyness of the day that autopilot takes over and we forget to breathe. It only takes about 10 minutes to meditate and bring your breathing and yourself back into focus.

• Get back to nature. Take time to step out side and get some sunshine. Bonus points if you can combine nature and exercise.

• We know exercise is good for physical health, but it’s also good for mental health. Find an exercise program you like. That way you’re more likely to stick with it.

• If there’s an issue you’re trying to work through, try talking with a trusted friend or get professional help with a licensed thera pist.

• There is app-based help such as Better Health and Meru Health programs that can help you with tools to cope with situations you may encounter that can cause stress and trigger mental health issues. Check with your insurance company for details on these programs and any coverage they may or may not provide.

• Finally, if you or someone you know are ever in an emergency sit uation, there are people to help. Always seek the care of a licensed therapist. To find a therapist in your area, check your insurance listing, consult with your primary care provider, or visit American Psychological Association for a licensed therapist near you.

Be a Bridge Builder

By Bill Crane

You almost always know bridge builders when you meet them. They bring people togeth er, share aspirations, and inspire others. DeKalb County govern ment’s CEO, Michael Thurmond, is a bridge builder.

Thurmond recently took the lead in crediting, honoring, remembering, and paying tribute to an illustrious family of bridge builders, mainly Washington W. King (1843-1910) and his father Horace King (1807-1885), patriarch of the bridge-building King family. In 1891, in Athens, Georgia, Washington W. King was selected to engineer, design, and construct an all-wood-cov ered bridge that was to provide passage across the Oconee River in Athens, from rural eastern Clarke County to downtown Athens, College Avenue, and the University of Georgia.

The Stone Mountain Memorial Association had the W.W. King Bridge added to the National Register of Historic Places. On September 16, 2022, the bridge was formally renamed and dedicated in honor of W.W. King and his family. On hand for the ceremony were two King family descendants, Rebecca King Rosenberg and her sister Kathleen King Hawrylak. The sisters are direct line descendants of W.W. King’s brother, John Thomas King (18461926), making them great-great-great granddaughters of Horace King and great-great grandnieces of W. W. King.

The covered bridge at Stone Mountain Park, now rededicated as the Washington W. King/College Avenue Bridge, is 131 years old and still doing its job most every day, connecting the more natural southeastern side of Stone Mountain Park to Indian Island across a narrow inlet of Stone Mountain Lake.

The all-timber bridge was constructed by hand, just twenty-five years after the Civil War, without the benefit of gas or electric power tools or transport. The King family would build dozens of similar

spans across the American south. Patriarch Horace King learned carpentry and engineering while enslaved to John Goodwin (17981859). With the support of his once slave master, with whom Horace King had constructed numerous bridges and other structures, Horace King secured his eman cipation and freedom in 1846.

Horace King and his wife, a free woman, Florence Gould Thomas (18251864), would raise five children, four brothers and one sister, who would enter the bridge building busi ness. Following his father’s death, W.W. King would relocate with his wife and family to Athens, Georgia to build out his enterprise, the Bridge Company.

“It speaks to who they were, who we are, and more importantly, to who we can become,” said Thurmond during some occasionally emotional remarks about the importance of honoring a black man, the son of a freed slave, as well as his family, for their contributions to Georgia, and most specifically, to bridge building, in a park creat ed as a Confederate memorial.

The bridge in Athens was built for horse and buggy and lasted well into the automobile era. The wooden bridge was seriously damaged by flooding twice, in 1910 and again in 1961. The second flood tore the bridge from its moorings, and not long after, a span of concrete and steel replaced it. While still bridging the Oconee, Michael Thurmond frequently rode across the span in the back of his father’s truck. Thurmond’s father was a sharecropper, carrying crops to area farmers markets. Those journeys were often at night, and young Michael found the bridge then to be creaky and a bit scary and he was concerned that he and his father might end their journey at the bottom of the Oconee River.

The bridge was moved to the banks of the Oconee after that second flood and later sold to the Stone Mountain Memorial Association for

Expert

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Home for Fall

From the walk-in closet to the kitchen pantry, catch-all spots

all the difference in daily routines – but only if they’re kept neat. Family organizing expert Jessica Litman, also known as “The Organized Mama,” is on a mission to help families declutter and stay organized. She’s sharing her pro tips for getting your home in shape for this busy time of year.

Clear Away Cabinet Clutter: ‘Tis the season for autumn chili, stew, and other comfort foods. That means it’s also time to put your essential slow cookers and pans where you can reach them so that food prep will be hassle-free. “When the weather starts to cool, I swap out summer cookware for winter bakeware,” says Litman. “I put the grilling items in the back of the cabinet and pull the turkey roaster and baking dishes to the front.” For added storage, Litman recommends using a shelf rack or vertical organizer to keep cutting boards and pie pans easily accessible.

Prep the Pantry: Create a system that gives grab-and-go snacks and cooking necessities a home. This will help keep the kitchen tidy amid busy work and school schedules. “Do a pantry cleanout,” Litman says. “Remove everything from the area and wipe down the shelves. Take the canned goods you didn’t eat and donate them to a local food bank.”

Use a combination shelf liner and new containers to restore order to the space. Measure the shelves, cut the liner to length, and then

Pet Perch: Picky Eater or Spoiled Pup?

By Terie Hansen

Is your dog a picky eater or a spoiled pup? Does your dog frequently turn its nose up at food when presented, or only eat when you top their kib ble with wet food, treats, cheese, toppers, etc.? Does your dog graze throughout the day? Do you know how much food your dog eats daily?

When dogs are born, one of their most noticeable instincts is to seek out food and eat as much as they possibly can because they don’t know when it will be avail able next, even if they are not hungry.

Puppies typically look as though they have voracious appetites, but they are just trying to get while the getting is good. That being said, Mom’s buffet is not open all day! She offers them time to suckle, but doesn’t lay about for them to feed when they want. She decides when it’s time. Likewise, when you bring your new puppy home, you should set up scheduled feeding times.

Many owners unknowingly transform their dog’s natural food drive, making them into picky eaters. Much like human children, puppies go through growth spurts and slow down spurts. When they’re going through a slow down spurt, they don’t eat as much. Many owners get nervous when they see their dog is not eating much, so they leave the dog’s food bowl out all day long.

They may also begin adding things to get the dog to eat, such as cheese, chicken broth, etc. They may even switch up foods thinking the dog no longer likes the food they’ve been feeding. Likewise, they may be feeding too many treats.

To get your dog back to its natural (and healthier) food drive, check out the guidelines on your bag of dog food for how much you should

be feeding for your dog’s size and age. If your dog is overweight, go by the weight your dog should be, not their current weight, and break that up into two feedings per day for adult dogs, or three feedings a day for puppies six months and under.

Present the food and set a timer for fifteen minutes. When the timer beeps, remove the food, regardless of how much, or little, the dog eats. Then present the food again at the next meal. When you first begin this process, they may not eat any of their food in that fifteen-minute period.

Do not be tempted to leave the food down. If they eat some of the food but not all of it, you can add to what is left over to make their serving size for the next meal. Repeat this process and in a few days, your dog will be eating the food as soon as you put it down. Don’t worry if they go a few days without eating very much. Trust me – I have never met a dog that would starve itself! Turn that spoiled, picky eater into a happier, healthier dog with a natural food drive.

Terie Hansen is the Owner or Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Be a Bridge

$1.00 to be relocated as a historic feature within the park in 1965. Though the bridge originally cost less than $3,000 to construct, its relocation and reassembly cost $37,000. In addition to renaming and rededicating the historic bridge, a .8-mile trail encircling Indian Island has been officially named King’s Trail. W.W. King and his extended family became the first African-Americans officially hon ored within Stone Mountain Park.

“W.W. King, as well as his family and descendants, have been great bridgebuilders, literally and figuratively,” said Stone Mountain Memorial Association Chair, the Reverend Abraham Mosley, also for nearing five decades the pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Athens, and no slouch of a bridgebuilder himself.

In these divided times, we could certainly use a few more people like the Kings, the Reverend Mosley, and Mr. Thurmond. Be a Bridge Builder.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

lay it flat. The shelf liner is durable, waterproof, and designed to keep surfaces dry, while making them easy to wipe clean. Use the measurements to determine what size bins will best fit the area. Store crackers, cereal, oats, and pasta in clear labeled containers, and put spices and seasonings in a slim organizer. “Set up items similarly to grocery store shelves by placing like items together,” Litman sug gests. “When you do this, it’s like you are shopping in your pantry instead of hunting for things.”

Out with the Old: Before pulling out your fall wardrobe, declutter the piles of “stuff” from the closet. This will make your space seem more extensive and more organized. “Remove clothes from this past season,” Litman recommends. “Look through each garment. If you didn’t wear it, donate, toss, or sell it.” Now that there is more room, hang an over-the-door shoe rack for rain boots and work shoes and use a closet organizer to store accessories, such as belts, purses, and scarves. Litman also recommends dry cleaning winter jackets now, so they’re ready to wear when cold weather comes.

Find Balance in the Bathroom: Whether it’s the primary bath or the kids’ washroom, make the most of your space by organizing everything into different categories, like towels and haircare. Once everything is grouped, you can decide what will be kept based on the available areas. Use a tray on the counter and bins in pullout drawers.

Litman says to wipe and line surfaces, especially under the sink, before putting essentials away. Antimicrobial agents inhibit mold and

mildew growth to protect the liner and will catch makeup smudges and water spills to give the area an extra clean feeling. She also rec ommends waiting until after the organizing process to buy bins and caddies so you know exactly what you need. Once these organizing projects are complete, your home will be ready for all the fun fall festivities and family gatherings. (StatePoint)

of us. So, I encourage you to Make It Happen. If you want something bad enough, you will find a way. And if you don’t, you will find an excuse.

I hope you work to find the best in people and to try and make others laugh and smile. Let us love more and hate less. Let us actively listen to get to know a person, build a relationship, and stop judging them. Do we really know a person’s story? Or do we just know what we “think” it is? Living in an authentic way is what I call “walking the talk,” and it is what we all need and want to be around. If we seek to operate with the utmost in ethics and integrity, although difficult at times, you will be glad you did.

I wish you a safe and blessed October 2022. Again, we have 24 x 7 hours = 168 hours of time each week. So, make it count! Finally, I would like to share we have some wonderful things happening and are in growth mode, so stay tuned for more.

Thank you for continuing to support the businesses in our maga zines. I know each of them personally, and they all get my highest recommendation. If you do not know them, give them a shot. You will not be disappointed.

Have a great month, Our Town community. And as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!

Health Matters Continued from page 19

And keep in mind that self-care isn’t selfish or a guilty pleasure. It’s a necessary part of living a full and healthy life.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant for medical advice. For professional medical advice, seek advice of a licensed medical pro fessional.

“With all the unpredictability with air travel, we are seeing more and more passengers opt for travel insurance,” Haas said. “Travel Insurance is such a valuable resource for air travelers because it provides financial benefits for lost or delayed luggage, flight cancel lations, even flight delays of as little as three hours.”

According to AAA’s survey, 47% of Georgians are more likely to purchase travel insurance than before the pandemic began.

More information at https://media.acg.aaa.com/GA/

One Man’s Opinion

page

within its energy sector. Charles is also expected to do a bit of prun ing on the expenditures across the Royal Family tree, reaching $87.5 million pounds sterling in 2021, roughly equivalent to $101 million dollars. He is expected to focus programs and resources more on his immediate heirs than on the far-flung House of Windsor.

King Charles is believed to be in good health, in a family with both parents nearly making the century mark (his father did), so while he may not be a brief caretaker monarch, a larger function of his rule will be to pave the way for his successor, as he works to modernize what it means to be Royal in this 21st century.

His eldest son, William, now will hold his old title as the Prince of Wales. As Britain mourns the loss of someone many view as the “forever Queen,” William and his young family may have some very large and sensible British shoes to fill in the not-too-distant future. Should he stick with his existing surname, he would become King William V. And as my own true and given full name is Charles William Crane, I guess I could get used to this for a little while.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

why our licensed physical therapists

manual therapy, a hands-on technique

proven to get better outcomes so you can start moving and feeling better faster.

At BenchMark, your journey is our journey, and

committed to getting you back to your best.